mclean



(N0 Model.)

A. H. JARVIS & W. J. MQLEAN. BANJO BELL.

No. 592,732. Patented Oct. 26, 1897.

l/wmrom WITNESSES W ATTORNEYS.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALBERT JARVIS AND \VILLIAM J. MOLEAN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.; SAID JARVISASSIGNOR TO SAID MOLEAN.

BANJO-BELL.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 592,732, dated October26, 1897.

Application filed February 19,1897. Serial No- 624,1'75. (No model.)

2' 0 ctZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that we, ALBERT H. JARVIS and VVILLIAM J. MCLEAN, of NewYork city, in the county and State of New York, have invented a new andImproved Banjo-Bell, of which the following is a full, clear, and exactdescription. 7

Our invention relates to an improvement in banjos, consisting of ashallow bell formed of resonant material and adapted to be placedbetween the head of the banjo and the continuation of the neck. 'Thisbell has a comparatively large central opening in its small end and mayalso have the annular section forming the sides of the bell perforated,so as to assist in the emission of the sound-waves. This bell is placed,as indicated in the drawings, beneath the bridge of the banjo.

The invention consists in certain parts and details and combinations ofthe same, as will be fully described hereinafter and then pointed out inthe appended claims.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part ofthis specification,

in which similar characters of reference indi cate corresponding partsin all the views.

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional View through the body of the banjowith our improvement attached,the neck not being shown in section. Fig.2 is a top plan view of the banjo, showing the position of the bell indotted lines; and Fig.3 is a top plan view of the bell separate.

In the drawings the neck of the banjo is represented by A, and the ringsupporting the head by B. The head 0 is supported upon the banjo by anyusual device. In applying our device to a banjo there is no necessityfor changing any part of the banjo. Consequently we have shown theseparts as in an ordinary banjo, and particular description thereof is notdeemed necessary.

The bellD consists of a shallow bell, which is to be formed of someresonant material and is provided with a comparatively large hole E inthe center of its smaller end. It is also provided with a series ofsmall perforations 61, arranged upon its annular section. The

bell may be formed of wood or metal, as desired,and is made of such aheight as to snugly fit between the continuation a of the neck and thehead 0, so that when inserted it will be held in place by the pressureof the head upon it.

The bell D is inserted so that the bridge E will be located upon or justinside the edge of the bell. The result of applying this device to abanjo is to make the tones clearer and more distinct, there being lessrunning together of the tones than without the device. The tone ortimbre of the notes will vary according to the material used, as in anymusical instrument.

This device may be readily attached to or detached from a banjo, asdesired, and may be attached to any banjo without in the least degreechanging the banjo itself. The'size of the attachment may be'variedaccording to the ideas of the user. A size which has been founddesirable is indicated in the drawings. This is small compared to theentire surface of the banjo-head, but might be made larger, if desired.The relative position of the bell under the banjo-head may also bevaried when desired. The position shown is the one which has seemed togive the best results.

Having thus described our invention, we claim as-new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent- 1. A banjo, having a shallow bell adapted tofit between the head of the banjo and the continuation of the neck, andheld in place by friction therebetween, substantially as described.

2. A banjo, having a shallow bell adapted to fit between the head of thebanjo and the continuation of the neck beneath the head, and freelyadjustable in position along said neck, substantially as described.

ALBERT H. JARVIS. IVILLIAM J. MCLEAN.

Witnesses:

SAMUEL W. ROMAIN, GEORGE W. LEE.

